EPL: Jackson, Fernandez shine as Chelsea triumph over Leicester

Chelsea edged out Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, overcoming a late scare to claim three crucial points in the Premier League.

The victory, marking Enzo Maresca’s return to his former club, propelled Chelsea to within a point of second-placed Manchester City.

Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring early for Chelsea, who dominated possession from the outset.

However, despite their control, the visitors struggled to capitalize on their chances until Enzo Fernandez doubled the lead with 15 minutes left.

Leicester’s Jordan Ayew struck back late, creating a tense finish, but Chelsea held on to secure their first win after two consecutive draws.

Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept out Noni Madueke’s sharp effort and Madueke had a goal disallowed for a tight offside against Marc Cucurella just after the half hour.

But as the first period wore on there was a momentum shift and Leicester suddenly started looking more dangerous.

Steve Cooper’s men broke at pace and Oliver Skipp found Kasey McAteer on the right.

McAteer, making his full Premier League debut, cut inside but steered his shot just beyond the far post.

Wilfred Ndidi then screwed wide as half-time approached.

Chelsea looked certain to double their lead 10 minutes after the restart but somehow contrived to squander the chance, when Madueke got in the way of a Cole Palmer shot on the goalline.

It came after Hermansen saved Jackson’s shot.

England international Madueke did his best to try and jump out of the way of Palmer’s effort but it hit him and rolled out for a goalkick, with Palmer seeing the funny side.

But Chelsea did find the net in the 75th minute when Fernandez headed home after Hermansen kept out Jackson’s header.

Leicester substitute Ayew pulled a goal back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after Bobby De Cordova-Reid was brought down but it was too little, too late.

Leicester, the 2016 Premier League champions, remain just three points above the relegation zone.

Cooper’s problems mounted this week, with the Leicester boss announcing winger Abdul Fatawu would miss the rest of the season because of a “serious” knee injury.

The result lifted Chelsea to 22 points, narrowing the gap on City and placing them three points ahead of Arsenal, with other fixtures still to be played later on Saturday.